Page 77 of Cruel Games

“You can’t let her get away with this,” said Kendrick. “Those men looked furious enough to kill.”

Our footsteps echoed down the hallway. At this time of the evening, the kitchens were closed, and the students were either in their common rooms or in bed.

“I won’t.” My gaze darted from left to right. “Do you think she told them I was staying here?”

Shaking his head, he ran a hand through his dark hair. “And have them infiltrate her precious academy?”

A relieved breath whooshed out of my lungs. I couldn’t picture Elizabeth allowing the likes of Billy Hancock to sully her beautiful paradise. “You’re probably right.”

We reached the door that led to the tower. He pushed it open, and we continued to my room. Kendrick cupped both cheeks. “You need to be extra careful. Elizabeth is determined to get rid of you, and she’s not afraid to use dangerous people as her tools. If there’s somewhere you go regularly, I suggest you stop.”

Lowering my gaze, I unlocked my door. Maxwell and Orlando had seen me at Wank and had probably griped to Elizabeth that I went there on Glasgow weekends.

“You’re right.” I stepped through the threshold, bracing myself for him to say good night and leave me alone in my room. “From now on, I’ll change my routine.”

Kendrick stood in the hallway with a hand keeping my door open. He stared at me with a look in his eyes I couldn’t decipher. A mix of indecision and desire that made butterflies take flight in my stomach. Did he want to stay or go?

My lips parted, probably to invite him in for a cup of tea, but we didn’t have kettles in our rooms. I clamped my lips shut and stared at him like I’d been struck dumb.

Kendrick stepped through the threshold and pulled me into his chest. “I don’t want you falling into those men’s clutches.”

Relief surged through my insides, washing away the insecurity that had encased my heart. I let out a long breath. “Neither do I.”

The moment our lips touched again, it was like the kiss we shared in the back of the Uber, but twice as intense. This time, there was no driver to watch over us and no cramped back seat to restrict our movement. I threaded my hands into his hair, pulling us so close, we melded into one.

Kendrick growled, and I let out an excited gasp. He drew back as though spooked.

“Will you stay with me tonight?” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them.

My insides cringed. He was a virgin. Of course, the answer would be no.

Chapter 27

Confusion crossed Kendrick’s features for a heartbeat, only for his eyes to widen. “Lilah, I’ve never—”

“I’m not asking for anything except your company.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down, and he gave me a sharp nod. “Let’s go inside.”

“Is it alright if we kiss again?” he asked.

I wrapped both arms around his neck and pulled him down for another kiss.

Kendrick shouldered off his jacket, which thudded to the floor, and I did the same with my cardigan, all without breaking the kiss.

His erection pressed against my belly, hot and hard and thick, making the pulse between my legs throb with need. I pushed thoughts of seduction aside. We would go at his pace, not mine.

Kendrick threaded his hands through my hair. “You’re the most interesting and beautiful girl I’ve ever met.”

“A bit of danger makes a girl desirable, eh?”

He shook his head. “Tonight doesn’t change my opinion of you.”

“Bullshit.”

“Perhaps I saw the vulnerable side under your tough exterior.” Cupping my cheek, he pressed a kiss on my forehead. “I quite enjoyed taking care of you for once.”

My gaze lowered to his chest. “I was scared shitless.”